Best 10 Pedal Kayaks for Fishing [2020 Update]

Fishing from a pedal kayak is a special experience. The flexibility that having both hands free to cast is fantastic as well as the stealth and easy movement that the pedal mechanism provides. If you are planning on a fishing trip in a kayak when you will want to cast and travel at the same time then I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a pedal kayak.

There are some great pedal kayaks available on the market but it can be hard to tell the difference between them just looking at the photos. We have gone through the best 10 kayaks available on the market and provided both our own insights and that of other anglers.

Below is a buyer's guide to help you understand the key features and benefits you should be looking for when you make your decision.. At the end of this article we have also put together a review of the top 10 pedal kayaks available on the market this month.

Pedal Kayak Guide

There are several good manufacturers of kayaks and pedal drive mechanisms that you can investigate, so we have put together a few key features for you to think about before making a decision.

The specifications that we have looked at include kayak length, weight, carrying capacity, storage, and the number of rod holders. Outfitting your kayak to suit your needs can be a selection criteria in itself depending on what accessories you will need.

If you have any other pieces of wisdom to add that should be considered before purchasing a pedal kayak then please leave a comment below so that everyone can learn from your experience.

Kayak Length

The size of the kayak is often linked to its stability. For a fishing kayak you really want the ability to stand up and cast - this means that you will need a longer than average kayak.

Most of the kayaks we have recommended are 12 feet or longer in length. This gives good stability even in swell.

Ocean kayaks are even longer again. The size of the kayak will help to stabilize your kayak, so consider this when making a selection.

You should also consider how you are going to transport your kayak from your house to the river or lake. If you are going to mount it on your truck roof with some roof racks then consider the size of your vehicle and the length of the kayak.

Also consider where you will store your kayak and whether the longest model's will fit comfortable.

Weight

The weight of the kayak is linked to its total size and its materials of construction. If you intend to carry your kayak by yourself from your truck to the river then this becomes an important consideration. If you also have to carry your cooler, camping gear, fishing equipment, etc. then that extra 20 pounds you can save on the kayak can become extremely important.

Some of the kayaks on our list are well over 100 pounds and can be hard to carry by one person. This may mean you need help to launch it and means that you can never go fishing on your own. If you always have a fishing buddy then this is fine, but if not then it can limit its effectiveness.

Carrying Capacity

The carrying capacity depends on the buoyancy of the kayak design, and it is really important if you want to go on an extended fishing or camping trip. If you need to store all your fishing gear, camping tents, a large cooler, clothes, and food, then you can easily require over 500 lbs (including your own body weight).

Thankfully there are tow-along kayak coolers available which don't add any weight to your kayak if you choose a low carrying capacity model.

Some of the kayak's in this list have a carrying capacity of 325 lbs or less and some go to over 550 lbs. If you expect to be carrying a lot of equipment then make this number 1 on your criteria list.

Storage (Number of Hatches)

The number of hatches really links to your carrying capacity but instead of total weight it highlights how much waterproof storage you have access to. Some of the kayak's only have a single hatch while others have as many as 4.

An alternative to using a hatch is to purchase a dry bag which can then be tied onto the outside of your kayak.

Number of Rod Holders

This list is primarily for fishermen and the number of rod holders is a key factor. You want to have at least as many rod holders as you have rods. This is both for storage while you are traveling and to hold if you want to have multiple hooks in the water.

The position of the rod holders is also important - if you only have two rod holders and they are on either side of the kayak, then you might not be able to use them both at the same time to cast at a structure on the bank.

Features

Pedal drive mechanism can be fully recessed into the hull for zero draft

One piece construction with built-in buoyancy

Both rear and front storage spaces for cooler, tackle, or camping gear

Specifications

Length: 12 ft 5 in / 3.78 m

Width: 33.75 in / 85.73 cm

Weight: 74 lb / 33.57 kg

Capacity: 525 lb / 238.14 kg

Number of Paddlers: 1 - Single/Solo

Type of Kayak: Sit on Top

Hatches Incl: 2

Optional Hatches: 0

Material: Polyethylene

Made in: USA

Review

The Perception Pescador makes the top of our list for one key reason - the ratio between weight and carrying capacity. It is very light at 74 lbs, but can carry over 500 lbs. This means that it is ideal for taking to remote locations - you can carry it to the river bank easily, but it can also carry all your tackle, camping, and coolers.

This USA manufactured pedal kayak also comes with 2 waterproof hatches and 4 rod holders. I prefer more than 2 rod holders, because it gives you options for either using your rods or moving them out of the road.

The Pescador also has a comfortable lawn chair style seat that can help to prevent you from getting a sore back. It also has a quality pedal drive mechanism that can be fully recessed to reduce drag.

This model is certainly worth considering and is one of our top recommendations.

Review

The second recommended pedal kayak is the Wilderness Systems Radar. It is smaller than the Perception options at 11 ft 8 inch, and thus offers less stability. The carrying capacity is reduced to 450 lbs, which is still pretty good.

At 82 pounds in weight, it is still light weight enough to offer good mobility to move it to remote locations.

This vessel is highly adjustable with a multitude of accessories that can be added to perfectly suit your requirements. Just keep that in mind when you are comparing the price between this and other options.

Pros

Extremely comfortable seating and back support

Easy access centre storage

Available up to 14 feet long

Cons

May have to purchase some accessories to outfit it to your requirements

Review

The Native Watercraft pedal kayak has a very interesting mechanism design. Rather than the 'flipper' style of the other kayak's this design converts the pedal mechanical energy into a propeller to drive the vessel.

The kayak is only 10.5 feet long, so if you are short on storage space in your garage or truck then this may be a suitable option. It may not offer sufficient stability to go into waterways with large swell.

It also comes with a micro anchor mounting area that gives you some extra ability to focus on a particular fishing area without needing to paddle back and forward.

Review

A common scenario is a fisherman who wants to take his son or partner out with him. The answer to this frustration is the tandem kayak.

As I've said multiple times - Hobie are the premier manufacturer of pedal drives for kayaks.

This kayak is over 14 feet long, so gives the stability required to carry two people with a carrying capacity of 550 pounds. It also features twin pedal and twin steering controls, so either person can control the direction, regardless of where they are sitting.

It also means that one person can pedal and steer while the other is fishing.

This kayak is also heavy at well over 100 pounds, but with two people to carry it this is not a problem.

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Russ Egan

Russ is an avid angler. He has fished all over the world, primarily for Saltwater game fish but also for local prize fish. Russ writes reviews for all of his fishing gear to help others achieve their own fishing goals.
His dream is to catch a Black Marlin.

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